Adversity can take many forms, from opposition and hostility to misfortune and hardship, and it impacts people in various ways, regardless of age. Growing up, I saw firsthand how adversity heavily affected the African American community—through unemployment, the loss of loved ones, and even discrimination in job searches. As an African American woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I know that adversity will always be a part of my journey. However, over the years, I have learned not to let these challenges deter me. A key example of this came during my junior year of high school, which turned out to be one of the toughest years I had to face. That year, my family moved from El Paso, TX, to Fayetteville -which I was familiar with relocation due to my family’s military background, but this transition was particularly difficult. I had to leave behind the opportunities I had worked so hard to create, and integrate into a completely new environment. The difficulty, however, was not just in adjusting to a new school dynamic, but in the personal challenges I faced during that time. While I was preparing for the ACT, my mother and I received devastating news: my great aunt had passed away. This was a shock to us because, despite being the eldest of eleven siblings, she was known for her strong health. Unbeknownst to us, she had been battling breast cancer—an illness she had initially overcome—only to lose her life due to complications from an infection. Just two weeks later, we were informed that my maternal uncle had been murdered while living in Florida. So, in less than a month I lost two significant loved ones during a time when I was supposed to be preparing for an important test. Despite this immense grief, I learned how to stay grounded, maintain a positive perspective, and seek support. While I can’t say I fully "overcome" the loss of my loved ones, I did learn how to cope. I focused on staying grounded, tackling one task at a time, and taking small steps to process my grief. I found comfort in the belief that my loved ones were now in a better place, free from struggle, and I also learned the importance of seeking support from others. By engaging with loved ones, participating in activities, and even giving myself space to reflect helped me navigate the pain. Ultimately, I realized that before expecting others to support me, I had to first ensure that I was supporting myself through the healing process.

"By exile swift: and, lo, he sets me free This one long day: wherein mine haters three Shall lie here dead, the father and the bride And husband—mine, not hers! Oh, I have tried So many thoughts of murder to my turn, I know not which best likes me. Shall I burn Their house with fire? Or stealing past unseen." - Medea, by Euripides ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Euripides’ Medea offers a powerful exploration of the destructive effects of betrayal and the emotional devastation it causes, particularly when amplified by the vulnerable position of women in ancient Greek society. At its heart, the play reveals how unchecked emotions, the scars of betrayal, and the loss of personal and societal agency can lead to tragic consequences. Through Medea’s intense suffering, Euripides critiques the societal roles imposed on women, showing how personal trauma combined with societal restrictions can drive a person to commit horrific acts of revenge. In this paragraph from Medea, she reflects on the betrayal by Jason and contemplates how to take revenge. She feels both anger and a sense of bitter irony as she plans the deaths of Jason, his new bride, and her father, Creon, who all contributed to her suffering - which is given because she sacrificed everything for him. Euripides begins the section by stating, "By exile swift: and, lo, he sets me free". This is significant because Medea begins by considering exile, which is the result of Jason’s decision to discard her for another woman. The phrase "he sets me free" is ironic, suggesting that while Jason may think he is liberating himself from her, he is unknowingly setting the stage for his undoing. Euripides uses this betrayal to highlight the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Medea, an outsider in Greece and in her marriage, faces not only personal betrayal but also a deeper, systemic injustice from a society that denies her any real power. As a woman, her trauma intensifies as she realizes her role as wife and mother is meaningless once Jason rejects her, leaving her powerless. Yet, before meeting Jason, she wasn't powerless and was known as a Colchian princess who had riches and strength; but blinded by love she became subjected to an ill fate. However, to Medea, Jason’s betrayal is a personal attack on her identity and worth, compelling her to take extreme measures to restore justice in a world that refuses to recognize her value. So, within lines 2 to 3, where Medea states, "Wherein mine haters three / Shall lie here dead, the father and the bride / And husband—mine, not hers!", it emphasizes her desire for total revenge, targeting both her husband and those who have aligned with him as a scorned lover. The line "mine, not hers!" reflects her possessiveness over Jason, indicating her bitter jealousy and the emotional betrayal she feels. It's not just about the marriage; it's about reclaiming what she feels is rightfully hers. Then from lines 3 to 6, where she states "Oh, I have tried / So many thoughts of murder to my turn, / I know not which best likes me.", it illustrates Euripides' complexity within the play; due to Medea revealing the complexity of her emotions where she has been consumed by thoughts of revenge for some time, trying to decide how to execute it. In fact, the phrasing "thoughts of murder" highlights the level of premeditation and the internal struggle within her. Thus, illustrating that is not a rash decision, and she has been considering various ways to kill her enemies, showing the depth of her fury and the intricate planning that goes into her schemes. The play’s meaning goes beyond personal vengeance, serving as a sharp critique of the patriarchal structure of ancient Greek society, which marginalizes women and denies them self-determination. That being stated, when stated, "Shall I burn / Their house with fire? Or stealing past unseen.", Medea contemplates different methods of enacting her vengeance. "Burn their house with fire" suggests a violent, destructive act that symbolizes the complete annihilation of her husband's new life. It also evokes the imagery of destruction and chaos, a fitting metaphor for her emotional state (chaotic). While the second thought—"stealing past unseen"—suggests a more covert, careful approach, showing her tactical mind at work. This indicates that Medea is not just impulsive; she is weighing her options, trying to find the most effective way to ruin those who have wronged her. Overall, Medea’s speech reflects the hardships women face, while her final act of vengeance is the result of her despair and anger at this systemic injustice. Lastly, my personal views of the play and passage believe Euripides forces the audience to confront the intersection of gender, power, and revenge. The reason is, that Medea’s tragic actions expose the inherent violence of a society that keeps women powerless, highlighting both personal and societal injustices. Yet, despite her actions being viewed as merciful and cruel they are true to heart. It illustrates a woman who was replaced and wronged taking back her power through vindictive ways. The play serves as a reminder of how deeply the loss of agency, both privately and publicly, can warp the human soul and lead to profound destruction. Yet, instead of being an evil woman, she did what was within her right, even if it was not the correct decision or way, and found a way to resent herself and teach others not to play with other emotions. She was calculated throughout the story due to the way she enacted her revenge and technically sacrificed her children because she didn't want them to suffer. All in all, Euripides reveals the devastating power of a woman’s rage when it is compounded by societal rejection while diving into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked passion and vengeance.